Boehner's Blog

EPA Continues Assault on American Energy Producers With New Rules That Will Lead to Higher Costs, Lost Jobs

Families and small businesses struggling with rising prices at the pump aren’t getting any relief from the Obama Administration. Yesterday President Obama’s EPA announced new regulations on American power producers that officials admit will raise electricity costs.

Families and small businesses struggling with rising prices at the pump aren’t getting any relief from the Obama Administration. Yesterday President Obama’s EPA announced new regulations on American power producers that officials admit will raise electricity costs.

Despite the EPA’s confession, Ohio energy producers don’t think the EPA is disclosing the true impact these latest regulations could have on consumers in the Buckeye State. The Columbus Dispatch reports:

“‘We are concerned about the economic impact on our customers,’ said Melissa McHenry [a spokeswoman for Columbus-based American Electric Power]. ‘It doesn't consider the impact on customers in states where there are a lot of coal-fueled power plants.’ In Ohio, 89 percent of the electricity generated each year comes from 21 coal-fired plants.”

Unfortunately this is just the latest in a series of destructive policies – including a “cap and trade” national energy tax – that Washington Democrats have pursued instead of encouraging domestic energy production. Speaking with Ohio farmers earlier this week in Washington, Boehner addressed the need to stop the EPA’s assault on American families and job creators.

“Boehner said the last election showed the need to control spending and to create more jobs. He said the Obama administration is considering several policies that will further burden the economy, including a new health care policy, and environmental regulations that create more expenses and restrictions.

“If we want to employ more people in America, if we want our economy to grow, we’ve got to get the government out of the business of punishing those who we expect to expand our economy,” he said.

Several members expressed concerns about new regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency, which they expect could complicate a wide variety of farm practices.

Boehner assured the crowd that EPA and other agencies will be given close scrutiny when they form new regulations, to determine whether they are necessary and how they affect industries like agriculture.”

Last week Congressman Boehner and House Republicans launched the American Energy Initiative, an ongoing effort to expand domestic energy production, create jobs in America, and lower energy costs. If you want to join John in his fight to lower energy costs and protect American jobs click here to become a Boehner Campaigner today!